VCU started the scoring off with an early goal within the first four minutes. Senior forward Kelly Graves gave VCU a 1-0 lead after intercepting a bad pass by the Colonials and shooting from the top of the 18-yard line, scoring into the bottom left corner of the net.

GW tied the game back up later in the first half. Senior midfielder Sofia Pavon beat VCU goalkeeper Grace Young and scored a goal on an open net for the Colonials, forcing a 1-1 tie heading into halftime.

In the second half, VCU took over the game. Graves scored her seventh goal of the season and second of the game via an assist by sophomore forward CiCi Fox. The Rams had luck on their side as they benefited from an own goal committed by GW. Graves’ goal and the own goal gave VCU a 3-1 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining.

The Colonials did not end their season without a fight. After a foul by VCU in the last minute of the game, Pavon scored her second goal to cut the deficit to one.

The Rams survived and advanced as they came away from the home victory over GW with a final score of 3-2. Graves led the way for VCU in what will be her final A-10 tournament.

VCU advances to the semifinals Nov. 2 in Dayton, Ohio against Saint Joseph’s.